PattayaMale

Well said PapaDavid!!. As a US citizen I have never been as embarassed by our government's action as much as the last several years. Even though the US has had considerable weight to throw around (not talking about Pattaya farangs), it has become less fair and much more of a bully. Most of my US friends seem to feel the same.

Oh my gosh! Has LTMU...er a LUMT...wait TMLU,..damn..Did somebody leave Pattaya?

My Thai friend and I eat there frequently ( 1 or 2 times a month). We enjoy the selection of food and the price is fine.

A question I would have if staying at a hotel with that policy, is what happens when I arrive late into Pattaya, since many flights arrive after 8 pm. Or if I am in heavy traffic from Bangkok after a day trip and get back later than planned...what would I really expect? A hotel is in the service business. Most hotels do not post these proceedures on there web sites. I agree it is terrible policy. Maybe the hotel will now see it that way too.

When Gt wrote that a new cell phone "is not the most exciting thing", I thought "Well it is if you have not had many things in the past" I guess the reason I think that is because of what my Thai friend said to me after we had been together for several years. Summarizing what he said, "At first I was so happy when I got a new cell phone, then a chopper, then a car. But after awhile I realized that the happiness because of those things didn't last" Well we are still toghether and I think we have learned that the fun is in the present, in the things we do. I think we both feel secure and respect each other. Of course he also said when I was a liitle upset "You know the hook is too far in the fish's mouth" What wisdom others have. Happy fishing GT....and others that might have found a freindship that lasts.

In May of this year I bought a new Click because of the advertising. I really didn't understand that the handling of the Nouvo and the Click would be so different. Mt Thai friend has a Nouvo which I have driven with little problem, not the same as the Click. The Nouvo has 2 shocks one on each side. The click has only one total. It is very hard for me to turn without loosing a little control. I would suggest to anyone buying a motor bike to consider this difference. Oh, and I have a nearly new Click for sale with only 28Kilometers!

Several months ago, wasn't it reported that Thaskin said he would step down if the King "whispered in his ear"? This seems to be a strong whisper.

I suggest using common sense. I believe the current government is too busy to worry about Thais4life or a birthday party, or fund raising event such as occurred at Throb. However, amy I suggest that you take 5 of us for dinner at Manhatans. If the military shows up and hauls us off to jail, I will buy...if not you buy. Then we will be able to see Joking of course. You buy either way!

Does it not have to do with a lack of true checks and balances in the curent constitution? The little I have read reveals that many institutions, including those that run for office are under the "control" of political parties. I am not sure any one knows but possibly much of the current constitution will be retained.

Now, now Gaybutton even though I agree with you let's not get off topic. The coup is a serious matter. Remember you don't want to become invisible Keep relaxed, you have provided wonderful reports. It has been hard for me to get updates and I have relied on you and Tee Pee and others to find out what is going on. 3 deep breathes, 3 deep breathes...feel better?

The same appears to be the case in USA right now. I am in the US for 3 more weeks and feel confident travel to Thailand will be normal by then...I hope

Gaybutton...or anyone else that maybe able to explain this. You (someone) mentioned taxes as on of the reasons for the new immigration rule. I understand what you said that it is hard for the government to keep track of where a person lives if he moves every 30 days. But I don't understand about the taxes. If someone owns a business don't they have to have a license that the police check? If someone from another country lives off their savings or pension and takes the money out via ATM there are not income taxes but they must pay VAT when they buy something, I assume. So I would think this would be a benefit to Thailand. It occurs to me that the "untaxed" amounts would be great because few of the Thais that work in many bars or sell things in markets where cash usually changes hand don't pay taxes. I really not sure how the tax system in Thailand works or how limiting the 30 day visa increases tax collection.

Great reports and pictures, Pete and Bob. I have a question about going into Burma. If you get the day pass, does that count as "leaving" Thailand as far as the Thai visa is concerned? If a person is on a 60 day visa and goes there during the first 10 daysof his stay in Thailand, would he get a 30 day entry visa when he comes back after a day of shopping? Or would he continue with his 60 day Visa?

I am looking forward to the reviews. A few months ago I bought 8oz of USA imported beef from ? Foodland. The price was 1800 for the New York strip beef. There apperars to be more and more high priced places to eat in Pattaya.....soon we may be paying 180 baht fro a hamburger!!

Thanks for the pictures. I guess this means the drought is over?

Bangkok Post had an article which said that it will be a 40 minute walk from check in to the departure gate. It did not say where the VIP lounges will be located. Also it appears that passengers will not need to take a bus to the taxi park. Rather passengers will line up outside the arrival terminal and a dispatcher will call groups of taxis for pick up

I was thinking fondly about Cafe Royale and was wondering if there has been any changes since Ian has passed on. It has only been a short time I know but thought I'd ask. Also, maybe I have missed some postings, but what is the status of the venture that was renovating part of Sunee. I think it was in the area of the Spotlight. Do I have this all wrong?

I agree with Gaybutton that posting a picture is not reliable in a forum and with Geezer that when posting there is a way to say things without being rude. But I do disagree that since other people might not have "backed up" PapaDavid when he posted critical remarks about a veneue, it means it may not be true. It is possible some poster may not to continue a debate which has gone on for way too long. We all have different views and expectations. Many of my friends have had high praise for a 90 baht spaggetti place on the road to Jontiem. I felt differently. My point is it is great to get to read differnet views